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 Scotland
born and now Canada-based, this legendary interpreter and songsmith’s love
of traditional music was first inspired by his family. His father played
the concertina, and popular songs, Scottish songs and old-time favorites
were often sung at home. After graduating from the Glasgow School of Art in
sculpture and ceramics, Enoch formed the traditional Scottish group, The
Reivers, with Josh MacRae, Rena Swankie and Moyna Flanagan. The group
researched the history, lyrics and music of Scottish folksongs which were
published by The Scotsman. Scottish Television then signed the band
to perform these old songs every week to a new and ever-widening audience.
The band’s live shows and steadfast interest in promoting traditional music
formed the foundation of the Scottish folk music revival that took place in
the 1950s and 1960s. Later, when Enoch moved to London, he kept this music
alive and well with his folk band “The Exiles”, with fellow Scotsmen Gordon
MacCulloch and Bobby Campbell.
Enoch Kent’s own songwriting craft was further
developed through The Singers Club (aka “The Critics Group”) which he
co-founded with internationally renowned folksingers, Ewan MacColl and Peggy
Seeger. Since immigrating to Canada in the 60s, Enoch performed in many folk
clubs and festivals across the country to wide acclaim. During that time, he
focused on live performance and decided to put recording aside for awhile.
However, after a 36-year recording hiatus, at the age of 70, Enoch well made
up for lost time with his return to the studio and the release of two
outstanding CDs on the Canadian indie label Second Avenue Records: “I’m A
Workin’ Chap” (2002) and “Love, Lust & Loathing” (2003). These albums have
been garnering rave reviews, wide airplay and tour offers across Canada, the
United States and UK, and include such gems as the “The Farm Auction”,
(recorded by Garnet Rogers, The McCalmans, Jean Redpath and others), "No
More Cod On The Banks", "The Widows O' War", and "Edinburgh Maggie".
Enoch's music is treasured by traditional music enthusiasts with a passion
for story-songs, love & betrayal ballads, and gritty politics. While his
songs are deeply rooted in the traditional Scottish style, much of his
subject matter is Canadian, giving his music a unique cultural blend. What's
more is Enoch’s natural storytelling style complemented by a ferocious wit
and kitchen-range warmth. |
